Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, with military exercises and defense strategies being closely monitored by both sides.
• China criticizes U.S. military involvement in Taiwan, viewing it as interference in its internal affairs.
• Taiwan is enhancing its defense capabilities in response to perceived threats from China, including missile shield plans.
• Recent violent incidents in Taiwan have raised concerns about domestic security amidst external pressures from China.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• The U.S. military exercises regarding Taiwan reflect anxiety over the growing power of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
• Taiwan’s missile defense strategy is criticized as having critical flaws, suggesting a lack of confidence in its effectiveness.
• China is reportedly preparing for dual aircraft carrier exercises, indicating a show of military strength in the region.
• China opposes U.S. interference in Taiwan affairs, framing it as a violation of sovereignty.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan is concerned that U.S. actions, such as blockades elsewhere, could negatively impact its own security and economy.
• Taiwan is actively working on enhancing its missile defense systems to counter potential threats from China.
• Recent polling indicates a complex relationship with Taiwanese identity, reflecting diverse views on independence and relations with China.
• Taiwan’s government is increasing police patrols in response to recent violent attacks, highlighting domestic security issues amidst external tensions.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [en-US] Pentagon’s Taiwan war games reflect US anxiety over PLA power: defence experts - South China Morning Post (12/20/2025)
2. [en-US] Taiwan’s missile shield plan has ‘critical flaws’, mainland Chinese report says - South China Morning Post (12/20/2025)
3. [en-US] Is China’s Fujian gearing up for a dual aircraft carrier exercise? - South China Morning Post (12/20/2025)
4. [en-US] Bearly any time left for Japan’s panda lovers? Row with China threatens to end loans - South China Morning Post (12/20/2025)
5. [en-US] More Japanese favour having an empress as Princess Aiko’s public appeal rises - South China Morning Post (12/20/2025)
6. [en-US] Opinion | Taiwan intervention may just spell the end of the West - South China Morning Post (12/20/2025)
7. [en-US] Taiwan steps up police patrols after fatal mass stabbing in Taipei Metro - South China Morning Post (12/19/2025)
8. [en-US] China expresses opposition to U.S. interference in Taiwan affairs - news.cgtn.com (12/19/2025)
9. [en-US] Suspect jumps to death after fatal Taipei attack - China Daily (12/19/2025)
10. [en-US] 4 killed, 5 injured in Taipei attack incident; suspect jumped from 6th floor and pronounced dead: media reports - Global Times (12/19/2025)
11. [en-US] ANALYSIS:US blockade of Venezuela could hurt Taiwan - Taipei Times (12/20/2025)
12. [en-US] Will Nvidia turbocharge China’s military AI? - Taipei Times (12/20/2025)
13. [en-US] How China built its ‘Manhattan Project’ to rival the West in chips - Taipei Times (12/20/2025)
14. [en-US] KMT lawmakers seen visiting China ahead of major votes - Taipei Times (12/20/2025)
15. [en-US] Concerning polling on Taiwanese identity - Taipei Times (12/20/2025)
16. [en-US] Court changes ruled unconstitutional - Taipei Times (12/19/2025)
17. [en-US] Suspect and two more dead after attacks in Taipei - Taipei Times (12/19/2025)
18. [en-US] EU leaders agree to provide a massive 90bn euro interest-free loan to Ukraine - Taipei Times (12/19/2025)
19. [en-US] Why cover Chinese spouse’s parents? - Taipei Times (12/19/2025)
20. [en-US] How Asia’s Gen Z is losing out to China’s US$1tn surplus - Taipei Times (12/19/2025)